Multiple electrical failures

[Kenneth_Neal]

I have a 2012 Daybreak on a Ford chassis. I have a parasitic draw of about .5 amps. I can eliminate the draw by removing two mini fuses located under the dash. These fuses are #4 which protects the instrument panel cluster and #16 which protects the body builder battery feed.

In addition, the following lights don't work: tail lights, license plate light, running lights, instrument panel lights and the map light. The other lights work normally. Further testing showed I could vary the amount of parasitic draw by adjusting the dimmer switch for the instrument panel. Adjusting the dimmer switch to its lowest setting only reduces the draw, but does not eliminate it. There are no blown fuses and the relays tested OK.

I took the motorhome to the Ford dealership. They've had it five weeks and have been unable to solve the problem. Because all the symptoms appeared at the same time there must be a common denominator to all these problems. Is there a mother board or electronic control unit that controls all these lights? I've disconnected the radio and electric steps rule out these as a source of the problems. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Salvo]

I've done this exercise (tracking quiescent currents) on my Sprinter based MH. The instrument cluster has a timer and will drop to lower current after something like 2 minutes. The automatic door locks will also go off after some time period. After things settle down I see about 6 mA from the instrument cluster. My largest draw is from the step controller.

1/2 A is way to high! It could be an energized relay.

Sal

[ereed52]

FORD Body Builders Layout Book

[Kenneth_Neal]

Can anyone tell me exactly what a body builder battery feed is that is fused by #16.

Does this chassis have a body control module? I know some other Ford products do. If so, this might be the culprit.

[fredbon]

One thought, on the IP dimming, usually there is a "off" position, try going past full bright and see if you feel a detent.

Fred

[Mandalay_Parr]

Don't worry about the parasitic draw. That is not your problem. We all have that.
Get an electrical person and have them help track your problem down..

Good advice above.

[oilslick]

Is one of the fuses the IOD (ignition off draw) fuse? This is the fuse the dealers pull while the vehicle sits on their lots before sale, I'm not sure Ford uses that "term" but things like the radio memory, seat belt locks, glove box and engine compartment, trunk lights, things that would draw down the battery if left on in the showroom with key off, are on that. GPS tracking device??

[PaulJ2]

When ever I see a .5 amp draw I suspect a relay energized somewhere. Maybe one involved with the instrument panel lights and accessories. Usually involved with the headlight switch circuit. Thats my long distance guess.

[newman_fulltime]

If you have a tow package check the pigtail

[mena661]

Fuse, broken wire, bad ground somewhere.